Cass to Jollie circuit

December 2010

To celebrate my graduation from university and before heading off on my next adventure to Auckland, Dad and I took the chance to head into the hills behind Glenmore station, Lake Tekapo.  The trip started at Waterfall Hut in the Cass Valley (as far as we could drive with the current river levels) in stunning calm and dry weather conditions. A short 1.5 hour wander following vehicle tracks led us to Tin Hut Stream where the real adventure began.

Approaching Tin Hut Stream in the Cass Valley

The aim for day one was to head up Tin Hut Stream and over into the Jollie, so without too much deliberation we set on our way. After a small scramble around cliffs on the true left we were soon in easy open travel. Typical barren high country landscapes greeted us as we rockhopped our way up the valley. After a quick lunch we veered into the left branch with the aim of passing over the Gammock Range at the 1900m pass just NE of Point 2174. 

Heading up the left branch of Tin Hut Stream

The rocks underfoot turned to loose gravel slowing our travel but luckily a lone snow patch made way for easier and faster progress and we were soon on the pass, 5.5 hours after starting out. 

Just below the saddle looking back down Tin Hut Stream

Mt William Grant dominated the vistas but certainly was an impressive beast! Discussion of how we would tackle such a climb filled the air as we headed down the other side of the pass. 

Mt William Grant

Easygoing travel, followed by a small scrub bash delivered us into the open grasslands of the Jollie River after a total of eight hours walking. Camp was set up not far on from where we emerged and we took a moment to enjoy the impressive landscape around us. Claiming that I had now surpassed him in fitness, Dad extended his enjoyment of the surroundings by deciding I was to cook dinner and do all the dishes while he gave instructions....

Camp spot in the Jollie

Day two greeted us with thick valley fog but never had us fooled, sure enough an hour into the day it broke up and blue skies remained for the rest of the day. We continued up the Jollie and took the left branch to gain access to Jollie Saddle. A short scrub bash immediately after the river forked provided for some early morning fun and soon after we were rewarded with the most beautiful alpine meadow. Allowing us to take in the beauty of the landscape we stopped for a morning snack.

Looking towards Jollie Saddle

From here a gradual climb led to the head of the meadow where we were able to follow an old moraine wall most of the way to the saddle - finished off by a snow plod to the top. It was amazingly smooth and simple travel compared to the impressive rocky peaks and ice formations surrounding us!

Approaching Jollie Saddle

From the saddle we could see all the way out the Jollie and to Lake Pukaki. A quick decent and small sidle delivered us to the tarn at the head of Ailsa Stream and our home for the night.

View down Jollie River out to Lake Pukaki

View from Jollie Pass across to Kehua Pass and the head of Ailsa Stream

With only six hours of walking behind us and plenty of energy left we set to making (or digging!) the best camp spot we could out of the rocky surrounds (all that was not covered in snow) and even left a cairn marker for those who may venture after us.

Camp spot by tarn at head of Ailsa Stream

Day three delivered another picture perfect day. We were able to follow an old moraine wall directly from the tarn but within 20mins this form of fast travel ended and we were fitting on our crampons. Knowing there would be spectacular views from the Liebeg Range we took a slight detour from the direct route to our intended destination, Kehua Pass. The detour was well worth the accent as we admired the peaks of the Malte Brun Range and across to Mt Sefton.

Malte Brun range

From here we were also able to eye up more closely our route over Kehua Pass and slight apprehension set in when faced with a tight rock chute which did not look overly stable. A quick sidle to the bottom of the chute settled our nerves slightly but we were still glad to reach the top after an unstable scramble. 

Last scramble to Kehua Pass

Stunning views of Mt Hutton and the head of the Cass Valley greeted us and we were soon happily snow sliding our way back to snowline. 

Looking down to the head of the Cass Valley

We followed a glistening Cass river as the surrounding mountain walls gradually opened and it turned from a small alpine stream to an expansive river. Soon enough we arrived at Memorial Hut in 5 hours from our campspot, and with all the hard yards behind us we plodded along the 4WD track headed back to the car. Along the way we spied some very old writing on the walls of Birdcage Hut dating back to the early 1900s!

Writing on the walls of Birdcage Hut

After a 3 hour river bash we were happy to be at the car but sad to leave such beautiful country. Definitely a trip that won’t be forgotten for a long time!

The final river slog back to the car - looking back up the Cass to Mt Hutton